Active Exploits
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Active Exploits is a diceless set of role-playing game rules by Precis Intermedia Gaming. The core rules (which contain no setting) are distributed for free as a PDF file, or for a fee as a printed book. There are a number of published game settings and official game conversions which use these rules.
Active Exploits diceless roleplaying | |
| Designers | Brett M. Bernstein |
|---|---|
| Publishers | Precis Intermedia Gaming |
| Publication | 2002-2003 |
| Genres | Universal |
| Systems | Diceless |
The system is considered innovative, but more in common with GURPS and Unisystem, rather than other diceless games such as Amber and Nobilis[1]
The game has options for freeform and live action role-playing, as well as for converting the game to other systems. Ample conversion rules allow the adaptation of the engine to a number of commercial systems.
Published Settings and Official Conversions
Active Exploit has converted other published RPGs into diceless versions.
- Sengoku: Chanbara, a role-playing game based in Feudal Japan.[2]
- Dreamwalker, a setting taking place in others' dreams.[3]
- Blood Island Diceless, swashbuckling adventures on the high seas.[4]
- CORPS Diceless, based on CORPS, a conspiracy themed RPG about UFOs, vampires, secret societies, etc.[5]
- Bloodshadows (3rd Edition) core book has Active Exploits conversion rules.
Awards
The game won an Indie RPG award in 2003 for free game of the year and best support.[6]
Modes of Play
Basic Exploits
This is an introductory version of the rules, intended for those who are new to the system or prefer something less involved.[7]
Advanced Exploits
This presents both advanced and optional rules which players can selectively use. Some examples of advanced elements are:
- Flairs: These zoom in on character's abilities.
- Fields of Expertise: These replace the need for skills by generalizing occupational knowledge.
- Convictions: These expand on the basic concept of Principles (in Basic Exploits) by utilizing Revelation and Dementia.
- Threads: These define group dynamics and help encourage more character-oriented roleplaying.
- Vehicles: Rules for using vehicles, from motorcycles to starships.[7]
Live Exploits
These are guidelines from the Basic and Advanced Exploits sections which are optimized for live action role-playing.[7]
Adaptive Exploits (Special Edition Softcover only)
A framework for converting characters from other game systems for use with Active Exploits, and adapting other ability/skill-based systems for diceless play.[7]
Other features
Setting Specifics, which add new rules for magic and the occult, and martial arts.[7]